BETHLEHEM, Pa. — As anticipation grows for Musikfest 2026 you may wonder what goes into getting Bethlehem ready for more than one million people?
One week out from preview night, progress is being made.
A sea of tents are popping up around Bethlehem, and stages are being built.
All of the work being done is a telltale sign that Musikfest is right around the corner.
“Setup is a highly coordinated dance across the festival grounds,” said Patrick Brogan, the chief programming officer for ArtsQuest.
That highly coordinated effort goes beyond tents and stages. It includes everything from lighting to sound systems to the seats you watch your favorite artist from.
How about the hundreds of volunteers that make Musikfest happen?
With one week to go, Bethlehem is a busy place and it’s only getting busier.
“With almost 1.5 million people, Musikfest continues to grow, so with a little assist from Mother Nature we hope to top that this year,” said Brogan.
Helping more than a million people get around will be a little easier this year, all thanks to a new partnership.
“We have an expanded LANTA service across the festival this year where guests can ride for free across the festival grounds,” he said.
The work is worth it when the gates open next Thursday for preview night, followed by 10 festival days.
“11 days of great music, food and most importantly community. What a time to come together for the family reunion that is Musikfest,” said Brogan.
Organizers say many shows are about to sell out.
Musikfest information is readily available on the Musikfest app.